2026 World Cup: We Were Punished Against Argentina — Switzerland Coach, Yakin

Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin has criticised the decision to send off striker Breel Embolo during his side’s 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina, insisting the controversial red card changed the course of the match.

Switzerland were level at 1-1 when Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation, reducing his team to 10 men in a fiercely contested encounter.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Swiss held on until extra time before Argentina struck twice through Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez to seal a 3-1 victory and book their place in the semi-finals.

Speaking after the match, Yakin said his side paid the price for what he described as an incorrect refereeing decision.

“We were punished because of a mistake,” Yakin said.

“There was no reason for that booking. I don’t understand it. It was an innocent situation; there was nothing malicious about it.”

The Switzerland coach questioned both the referee and the Video Assistant Referee for failing to overturn the decision.

“That decision was simply unbelievable. I completely disagree with it.

“There was clear contact, and I don’t understand how the referee and the VAR came to that conclusion,” he added.

Yakin, however, stopped short of accusing the match officials of favouring the defending champions.

“I wouldn’t say they were being favoured. We had a fair and open match. Both teams played football. Football wasn’t the winner today.

“We were punished by a mistake. It was a decisive moment that determined the outcome of the match. We can complain now, but I have to congratulate Argentina.”

Argentina progressed to the semi-finals, where they will face England after the Three Lions defeated Norway 2-1 in another quarter-final fixture.

For Switzerland, the defeat ended an impressive World Cup campaign, with Yakin insisting his players gave everything despite the setback caused by Embolo’s dismissal.